New Billboard in Springfield

New billboards designed by Manuel Oliver of Change the Ref are located in East Springfield, Rt 291.

Stop Handgun Violence in the News:

Public awareness is one of our missions for gun violence education.

Please donate to help us continue our Gun Violence Awareness Campaigns!

Sonya with advocates and volunteers gave a Happy Birthday toast to Joaquin Oliver, who would’ve been 21 years old last week. We wish you were here Guac!

 

 

 

 

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Change the Ref and Stop Handgun Violence Launch Billboard Campaign Commemorating the birthday of Joaquin Oliver, Killed in the 2018 Parkland, FL School Shooting

Springfield, MA – Gun safety organizations Change the Ref and Stop Handgun Violence today unveiled two new billboards, strategically placed near the headquarters of gun manufacturer Smith and Wesson, to mark what would have been the 21st birthday of Joaquin Oliver, who was killed by a shooter using a Smith and Wesson AR-15 in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida mass shooting.

Designed by artist Manuel Oliver, the father of the then-17- year-old Joaquin, the billboard features Joaquin’s face with the words “I can’t enjoy my first legal beer because a Florida teen was allowed to get his first legal AR-15.” The billboard will be on display at two locations near Smith and Wesson’s Springfield headquarters.

“My son was too young to enjoy a legal drink, but our weak system allowed his teenage killer to legally purchase a high-powered assault weapon,” said Manuel Oliver, father of Joaquin Oliver and cofounder of Change the Ref. “I work every day to expose the perverse outcomes of American gun laws. There is no reason that teens should be able to purchase firearms of any kind. I wanted to hang these billboards in Massachusetts because manufacturers in the state are responsible for making the weapon that was used to murder my son and 16 others at his school within minutes.”

“In Massachusetts, we’ve banned the sale of assault weapons,” said John Rosenthal, founder and president of Stop Handgun Violence. “However, those weapons are still manufactured in large quantities within our state to be sold elsewhere. Children, like Joaquin, deserve to reach adulthood and we and our elected officials must do everything we can to make sure they get to celebrate every birthday.”

“As a legislator, I have a duty to do everything I can to prevent gun violence,” said Senator Cynthia Creem of Newton. “That’s why I filed legislation to prohibit the manufacture of assault weapons in Massachusetts. Our actions must match our morals.”

“Manny and Patricia lost their beautiful son Joaquin to a gun that was made in Massachusetts, but could not have been sold in Massachusetts” said Representative Marjorie Decker of Cambridge. “We should all carry a burden of shame and accountability knowing that while our own laws would never tolerate the sale of these guns to private citizens, they have been complicit in allowing the manufacture of these weapons to be sold in other states. Sending our condolences to grieving families after tragedies occur is not enough. We have an opportunity to make sure that no parent grieves the loss of their child to weapons that are banned in our state but were allowed to be manufactured here.”

Visible from I-90 at the I-291 junction and at I-291 at exit 5 towards MA-20A West where they are likely to be viewed by thousands of motorists daily, the billboards will be on display through the end of August.  They serve as a stark reminder to the public of the heartbreaking toll gun violence takes on American families and communities each day. Campaign sponsors hope the billboards also strike a chord at Smith and Wesson, which ships thousands of military style assault weapons for out of state sale to civilians annually.

Under the proposed legislation, the manufacturer of assault weapons for civilian use would be outlawed in Massachusetts – just as their sale within the state is currently.

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Stop Handgun Violence (SHV) is a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org

 

Change the Ref- Change the Ref- CTR) Founded in the memory of their son Joaquin, who was one of the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL, Manuel and Patricia Oliver are committed to making sure that their son’s life and the lives of the other 16 victims are never forgotten and that real change takes place to prevent future tragedies like this from happening ever again. CTR Mission is to raise awareness about mass shootings through strategic urban art interventions that will reduce the influence of the NRA on the Federal level. For more information, go to.www.changetheref.org

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Call to Action: #ConfirmChipman

A NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION 

The Gun Violence Archive shared some sobering facts: The U.S. averaged a shooting every 12 minutes during the week of July 17-23rd. That one week in July resulted in more than 430 Americans killed and over 1,000 wounded.

THIS is a national emergency. And it requires a national response.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the agency designed for a national response. The ATF is the main federal agency that enforces federal gun laws to reduce firearm trafficking and violence.  It hasn’t had a confirmed director in six years. Biden recognized the leadership void and has nominated David Chipman as director.Chipman is the right choice and has the experience necessary to meet the challenges of the ATF: 

► Chipman has a substantial history in law enforcement

► Chipman knows what is required of the ATF and its agents

► Chipman has 30+ years of experience in public safety

Unfortunately, Chipman’s confirmation will not proceed unless our Senators hear from us.

Please call your Senators at the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to #ConfirmChipman for ATF Director.

Sample Script:

” Hello, my name is ________. I live in your state. I am calling to tell my Senator that I care about gun violence. We are in the midst of one of the most violent times in recent years, with gun deaths and injuries as much as 50% higher in some places. The ATF has not had a confirmed director in six years. Please act now to confirm David Chipman as director of the ATF, he is an experienced leader who understands what it takes to reduce gun violence.”

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A fatal accident waiting to happen

Who could imagine a firearm manufacturer producing a lethal firearm that purposely looks like a child’s toy?

This is a gun produced at Culper Precision in Utah. The only reason they recently halted production is because they were afraid of legal action from the Lego toy company. Every day, three children die from guns and many more are seriously injured. Stop Handgun Violence helped pass child safety and safe storage laws in Massachusetts almost twenty-five years ago. That is part of the reason why today Massachusetts is ranked #50 in the US for gun deaths per capita. The work of Stop Handgun Violence is a model for the rest of the country. Your donation will help SHV work with other states to enact similar legislation.

Donate today to help us save lives.

Our work continues:

Stop Handgun Violence is working to prohibit the manufacture of assault weapons in Massachusetts. Selling these weapons is already banned in Massachusetts, but our state continues to export these weapons of war.

Take action to support current Massachusetts legislation: An Act to Stop Mass Shootings.

Gun violence in MA and across the US:

  • An argument between Somerville roommates ends with gunshots.
  • Members of Rise of the Moors face felony charges in Rhode Island.
  • A mass shooting in Arizona wounded 5 people including ambulance crew.
  • In California, a man is arrested with a cache of firearms, ammunition and a racist manifesto.
  • Shooting outside the Nationals Ballpark.
  • Domestic violence organizations worry about rise increase in shelter.

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Good News. Bad News.

 

Until Congress enacts national gun safety laws, we’re only as safe or at-risk as the state with the weakest gun laws. 

~John Rosenthal

  • Hawaii bans ghost guns.
  • New gun laws in Maine, including safe storage.
  • New York gun reform include immunity lost to gun manufacturers.
  • Rhode Island enacted 2 new gun safety bills.

 

In Other News:

  • Man arrested for fatal shooting in Milton, MA.
  • Man from Webster, MA gets probation after accidental fatal shooting of his coworker.
  • Off-duty police shoots and injures unarmed teen in Rhode Island.
  • In Arkansas, a teen holding antifreeze was shot dead by sheriff’s deputy.
  • Victims and survivors of California synagogue’s lawsuit against Smith & Wesson moves forward.
  • In California, a 15-year old shot himself dead with an unsecured gun at a sleepover.
  • New Jersey man arrested for stalking, property damage and weapons charge.
  • Potential mass shooting in Denver prevented ahead of MLB All-Star game.

TAKE ACTION: Tell the DOJ to regulate ghost guns like other firearms.

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Tracking 30,000 Deaths & Injuries this Year

As America celebrates Independence Day, gun violence doesn’t take a break for a holiday. Gun Violence Archive tracked 375 shootings, including 18 mass shootings, in the U.S. from July 3 to the evening of July 5th. One mass shooting in Texas left 8 injured on July 4th that started as an argument between two men.

 

New York Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order declaring Gun Violence as a Disaster Emergency.

 

 

 

 

 

In the News:

  • Somerville teen shot and injured while walking her dog.
  • Connecticut motel owner shot dead over an argument about a swimming pool fee.
  • Maine enacts new gun laws, including safe storage.
  • In Rhode Island, 3 bills to curb gun violence headed to Governor’s desk, including one on straw purchases.
  • A ghost gun was used in a California High School shooting.
  • 3 golfers shot dead at a Georgia golf course.
  • Hawaii Governor signs 3 gun bills into law, including raising the age on safe storage.
  • Gun deaths surge in Iowa ahead of loosened gun restrictions.
  • Former VA police officer charged in the Capitol Riot on Jan 6th was told to relinquish all his firearms.
  • Federal background check system blocked a record high of 300k gun sales.

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New MA ERPO site

The Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) is Massachusetts Law.

The Massachusetts ERPO law has already helped dozens of families in crisis since it was enacted in July 2018. The state posted a link on the mass.gov website; but we believe we could do better to raise awareness and to educate the public on how to access this life-saving law.

www.MaERPO.org

Help us spread the word on social media.

Please share our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

 

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RESPONSE TO STAND-OFF BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ARMED MILITIA MEMBERS IN WAKEFIELD, MA

Boston, MA – This morning’s stand-off between law enforcement and armed militia members in Wakefield is another potentially deadly encounter in a never-ending series of gun related events that point to the need for uniform federal gun safety laws. Congress needs to enact laws that require background checks and licensing and restrict the sale and ownership of military style assault weapons that are clearly meant for war and to cause mass harm to innocent citizens.

Armed with military style assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines designed for war  and dressed in tactical gear, several men were traveling through Massachusetts on their way to Maine for “training” when they were approached by Massachusetts State Troopers after they had pulled over on the side of the road to refuel.

These men were allowed to purchase and carry these weapons designed for war because unlike Massachusetts, federal law, as well as Rhode Island and most other state laws, do not prohibit the ownership and sale of military-style assault weapons or require background checks or permits for most gun ownership.

The arrests happened only because Massachusetts law prohibits the ownership, sale and transport of military style assault weapons and ammunition magazines greater than ten rounds across its borders, or to carry a gun, loaded or unloaded, on a public way without a gun license.

The State Police, who are provided with 13-17 rounds of ammunition in their service weapons and who responded to the scene, are to be commended for their bravery and their ability to deescalate a situation in which they were heavily outnumbered and outgunned.

It is long past time for Congress to enact responsible national gun safety laws that require background checks for all gun sales and ban military style assault weapons in all states in order to protect all our citizens including law enforcement officials no matter where they live and work. The uneven approach taken by states across the country, including surrounding states like Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire, endangers citizens in states like Massachusetts that have enacted the most effective gun safety laws and now have the lowest rate of gun deaths in the nation. Sadly, and today’s stand-off drives home, until Congress enacts national gun safety laws, we’re only as safe or at-risk as the state with the weakest gun laws.

 

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Stop Handgun Violence (SHV) is a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common-sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org

Stop Handgun Violence and the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence launch new website focused on Massachusetts Extreme Risk Prevention Orders

Marking this week’s third anniversary of Governor Baker’s signing of the Massachusetts Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and Stop Handgun Violence today launched a new website to share information about the law (www.MaERPO.org), with content that supplements information already provided by the state and tailored for attorneys, veterans, health professionals, family members and law enforcement officials,

The Commonwealth’s ERPO statute allows family members and members of law enforcement to petition courts to have weapons removed from gun owners deemed to be in crisis. Despite a state website and media attention around the passage of the bill three years ago, the law has been underutilized by Massachusetts citizens – a void the new website unveiled today is designed to fill.

“When gun violence prevention advocates asked me to take action to address gun violence in the state, I was happy to sponsor this legislation” said Senator Cynthia Creem, the Senate bill sponsor. “Without the added advocacy of the students of Massachusetts this bill would not have passed. But now we need that same energy behind awareness of the law. As more families learn about this law, more lives will be saved and this website is a step in the right direction.”

“Extreme risk protection orders are an important tool that empowers family members to reach out for help when they fear that their loved one may harm themselves or others” said Representative Marjorie Decker of Cambridge, the house bill sponsor. “This tool has proven to be helpful to both families across Massachusetts and law enforcement. It also ensures expedient due process to individuals who believe they have been wrongly accused or misunderstood. I am so grateful that the majority of Massachusetts residents have supported the adoption of this law and I was grateful to help usher it into Massachusetts law.”

“Three years ago, we were proud to support Representative Decker and Senator Creem to get this important legislation passed,” said John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “However, our job as a gun violence prevention organization is far from over. Today more than ever, widespread awareness of this law is needed. The recent events in Winthrop have shown that strong licensing laws are only part of the solution to gun violence and the Extreme Risk Protective Order legislation is critical to preventing gun injuries and deaths among people who are known to be a risk to themselves and others.”

“This website will be a key resource for families and providers looking to better understand how extreme risk protection orders work in Massachusetts” said Ruth Zakarin, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. “We know that when more people have access to this critical information more lives will be saved and we will take an important step forward in preventing gun violence in the Commonwealth.”

 

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Stop Handgun Violence (SHV) is a Massachusetts based non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. SHV has been the lead advocate in Massachusetts for enactment of the most effective gun violence prevention laws and first in the nation consumer protection regulations. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org

 The Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence envisions a world where every one of us, in every zip code, lives free of the threat of gun violence. The Coalition brings together impacted communities, advocates, public health experts and policy-makers to prevent gun violence in all its forms. The Coalition addresses the root causes of gun violence through education, policy analysis, trauma informed advocacy, and by amplifying the voices of impacted individuals and communities. Find out more at www.mapreventgunviolence.org

 

 

U.S. Appeals Court block overturn of CA assault weapons ban

Appeals court blocked the lower court’s decision to overturn the California Assault Weapons Ban.

  • The implications of a California Judge’s decision on a 32-year old law heads to the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • How misinformation overturned California’s assault weapons ban.
  • From ‘fraud’ to individual rights. Where does the Supreme Court stand on this issue?

 

In Other News:

  • Man arrested in Springfield with stolen gun.
  • In Maine, a four-year old finds gun and shoots himself dead.
  • A mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado; 5 shot and 1 dead.
  • Disney World has spike in concealed weapons into the park; which are prohibited.
  • Honolulu police officer shot a 16-year old eight times in an idling car.
  • Missouri declares Federal gun laws invalid; and no – they can’t do that.
  • In Texas, a road rage incident ends badly when a father misfires and shoots his son.
  • Harvard research reports Black Lives Matter protestors were overwhelmingly peaceful.

#DadsForGunSafety

Read an open letter to Dads on Father’s Day from Fred Guttenberg. His daughter Jaime was murdered in her high school at Parkland.

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